Scuffle breaks out at Festival of Books

Good morning. It’s Monday, and we’re reading about how California’s heavy rains have been a boon for gold seekers. We're also pleased about baseball’s series win over UCLA. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles and California stories you need to know for today.

A scuffle broke out at the LA Times Festival of Books after protestors rushed the stage where archaeologist Richard Hansen spoke about his work in El Mirador Basin in Guatemala, the site of ancient Mayan towns. Protestors accused Hansen of being a “Gringo colonizer” for his controversial effort to increase archeological tourism in the area. Hansen has maintained that his proposals are environmentally sustainable and have won the support of Maya leaders.

Reed Johnson and Laura Newberry / Los Angeles Times

It turns out this winter’s snowpack wasn’t quite as historic as officials made it out to be: The year with the highest levels of snow since the state started formally collecting data was actually 1983. Among a number of faulty calculations that led to the overstatement was the fact that the state shifted the definition of a “normal” snowpack to keep on pace with climate change, which inflated more recent percentages.

Scooty Nickerson / The Mercury News

One man was left dead after a shooting in Exposition Park near USC on Sunday night. Police said three suspects approached the victim, described only as a Black man in his 30s, while he was sitting in the passenger side of a vehicle. An argument broke out and shots were fired. The victim was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No arrests have been made.

Josh DuBose / KTLA

The “Big Melt” is on: California’s heavy winter snowpack is melting as temperatures warm, breathing new life into the state’s long-parched creeks and rivers. But the dangerously swift and cold waters pose a threat to anyone hoping to swim or raft, and many counties have issued blanket bans on public river access until further notice — to the chagrin of the rafting companies.

Gregory Thomas / San Francisco Chronicle

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis launched her bid for the 2026 gubernatorial election, putting herself well ahead of what’s expected to be a competitive field. In her current role — often considered a stepping-stone post that offers little in the way of built-in responsibilities — Kounalakis has fought against UC and CSU tuition hikes and helped deliver three major offshore wind projects. If elected, she would be the state’s first female governor.

Christopher Cadelago / Politico

You’re all caught up. Thanks for reading Morning, Trojan, and have a good day. Anna Hsu copy edited this newsletter.

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